Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone continues to generate excitement and speculation, with recent leaks providing deeper insights into its design philosophy, battery innovations, and durability breakthroughs. Although Apple has yet to officially confirm the device, a growing number of reports from trusted industry analysts suggest the company is dedicated to ensuring its first foldable smartphone redefines the category. Apple appears particularly focused on enhancing power efficiency, minimizing bulk, and setting a new benchmark for durability — all without sacrificing the premium feel iPhones are known for.
According to Korean news source yeux1122, Apple is working on refining the display’s driver integrated circuits (DDI) to enable a significantly thinner overall design. The company’s engineers are reportedly pushing for a device that’s both sleek and efficient, tackling one of the biggest criticisms of existing foldable smartphones: their bulkiness.
Multiple sources, including renowned analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu, along with reliable leaker Digital Chat Station, claim the foldable iPhone will sport a 7.8-inch OLED main display when fully unfolded, complemented by a 5.5-inch cover display for quick access to notifications, calls, and apps. This design approach mirrors Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series — opening horizontally like a book rather than vertically, similar to the Galaxy Z Flip. This setup would allow users to enjoy an immersive, tablet-like experience when the phone is unfolded, while still maintaining the convenience of a traditional smartphone form when folded.
Durability has been a persistent challenge for foldables, but Apple appears determined to tackle this head-on. One of the most exciting leaks suggests the company plans to incorporate liquid metal into the device’s hinge mechanism. Liquid metal, an amorphous alloy known for its remarkable strength and elasticity, has been previously used by Apple in smaller components like SIM ejector tools. Now, by integrating it into the hinge design, Apple aims to minimize the visible crease that typically plagues foldable displays while significantly extending the hinge’s lifespan. The alloy’s flexibility could also help the device withstand repeated folding and unfolding cycles more gracefully than current foldables on the market. Dongguan EonTec, a long-time supplier of this material, is rumored to be exclusively handling production for Apple’s foldable iPhone.
The device’s physical dimensions are expected to be striking. When unfolded, it may measure an ultra-slim 4.5mm, which would make it one of the thinnest foldable devices to date. When folded, it’s expected to sit between 9mm and 9.5mm — still remarkably slender compared to competitors. To achieve this impressive thinness, Apple might make a bold move by omitting Face ID. Instead, the device may rely on a power-button-integrated Touch ID sensor, a design approach that maximizes internal space without sacrificing security. Additionally, rumors point to a titanium chassis, akin to the iPhone 15 Pro models, ensuring the foldable iPhone maintains a lightweight yet incredibly robust frame.
Battery performance remains another critical area of focus for Apple. Foldables are notorious for battery drain due to their larger screens and power-hungry features, but Apple reportedly plans to tackle this with a high-density battery. While the exact battery capacity remains unclear, insiders suggest Apple’s goal is to deliver all-day battery life — something that current foldable smartphones often struggle to achieve.
Despite all the exciting developments, the foldable iPhone isn’t expected to hit shelves anytime soon. Reports indicate that mass production may not begin until late 2026, giving Apple ample time to fine-tune the device’s hardware and software. This timeline aligns with Apple’s usual strategy of prioritizing polish over speed, ensuring the final product is free from the compromises seen in early foldable models from rival brands.
However, the foldable iPhone may cater more to niche audiences due to its hefty price tag. Leaks suggest the device could start at around $2,300 — approximately Rs 1,98,000 — putting it in the ultra-premium segment. While this pricing could deter casual buyers, Apple’s dedicated fanbase, tech enthusiasts, and early adopters may see it as a worthy investment, especially if the device delivers a groundbreaking user experience that redefines the foldable category.
Apple’s entry into the foldable market represents more than just a new form factor — it could mark a significant shift in smartphone design, blending the iPhone’s sleek aesthetics with the versatility of a tablet. If these leaks hold true, Apple’s first foldable iPhone could set a new gold standard for the category, combining cutting-edge technology, premium materials, and unmatched durability in a package that only Apple can deliver.
